Due to rough surface conditions following recent rains on the natural grass fields adjacent to Toyota Stadium, the Aztecs held a late morning practice on the turf field 10 miles away at Children's Health Stadium, a facility utilized by the Prosper Independent School District in Prosper, Texas.
Despite blustery conditions and temperatures plunging into the upper 40s under an overcast sky, the Scarlet and Black conducted an animated 90-minute practice in shells.
"I think we had a good practice today," said SDSU head coach Brady Hoke. "I think our guys are excited about being here, excited about playing a great football team, so it's all good. It's a great reward to go to a bowl game."
"I thought we brought a lot of (energy); I liked the way we came out and practiced," said Aztec defensive lineman Jonah Tavai. "The weather was different than what we expected, but just being out here as a team brought life to us. We're going to have fun (here), but we're also staying focused trying to get that 12th win."
"It feels good to go out and have some fun and get in some team building, but we're definitely came out here to get a win," said SDSU wide receiver Tyrell Shavers. "We came out with a lot of energy today. We didn't practice yesterday with the travel, so we needed to come out with a lot of energy and pick up where we left off."
Following practice, the SDSU contingent circled back to the Toyota Stadium's Winners Club, where it was treated to lunch courtesy of Rudy's "Country Store" Bar-B-Q. In addition to the cuisine, the Aztec players and staff were given complimentary Justin cowboys hats.
This evening, the Aztecs are scheduled to watch the newly released movie Spider-Man: No Way Home at the Galaxy Theatres at Grandscape complex in The Colony, Texas.
SDSU will return to Children's Health Stadium for its final practice on Sunday beginning at 10:30 a.m. CT. In addition, select Aztec players will partake in a Frisco Fastpacs charity event, delivering weekend meals for underserved children in the Frisco community.
San Diego State (11-2), which has matched a school record with 11 victories this season and finished 24th in the final College Football Playoff Rankings, will square off No. 24 (AP) UTSA (12-1) on Tuesday, Dec. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. CT/4:30 p.m. PT.